Pryor, Arkansas Politicians Speak With Local Military In Fort Smith

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., and other state and national elected officials and their representatives heard from local military officials at a banquet held Tuesday at Fianna Hills Country Club.

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., and other state and national elected officials and their representatives heard from local military officials at a banquet held Tuesday at Fianna Hills Country Club.

Hosted by the General William O. Darby Rangers Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the banquet served to create a dialogue between state and national politicians and current and retired military officials in the area, said Winston Fullmer, chapter president.

Several active and retired local members of the military also attended the event, including Lt. Col. Vixen James, training site manager at Fort Chaffee, and Col. Mark Anderson, commander of the 188th Fighter Wing.

Pryor discussed improvements he intends to make regarding a backlog of veterans awaiting benefits, and Tricare, a health-insurance program available to veterans, among other issues.

“The people of Arkansas insist that I not only honor our veterans, but I honor the commitment we’ve made to our veterans; those are two different things,” Pryor said. “What I try to do whenever I talk with veterans or reach out to veterans is just let them know I’m there for them if they need anything. I want to help; I want to be part of the solution.”

Pryor said he has listened to the military community in western Arkansas and wants to do everything he can to help.

“We’re also committed to our folks who are serving right now. I’ve gone to bat for the 188th and I want to make sure when they make this transition they have a sustainable mission. I want to make sure they come out of this as strong as they’ve ever been,” Pryor said. “It’s something I take seriously; I know how important it is to Fort Smith, but I also know how important it is to this country and to the state of Arkansas.”

Pryor added that he’s excited about his upcoming campaign against Cotton, who is challenging him for his Senate seat.

“I know that people in this state understand that I wake up every day trying to figure out ways to help Arkansas,” Pryor said.

Anderson outlined upcoming changes to the 188th Fighter Wing, which will convert from an A-10 unit to a remotely piloted aircraft, targeting and intelligence unit.

“Our entire congressional delegation has been a huge help to us all the way along,” Anderson said. “Recently, they helped us get the funds appropriated for our conversion, and that’s going to be a big help and we’re very appreciative.”

James also commended the federal and state delegation for their support in building an urban village training spot, a live-fire shoot house and a live-fire range, among other projects, at Fort Chaffee.